Fulfilled: Location of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
In this message, we will be focusing on the location of Jesus’ birth. In his account of the birth of Jesus, Matthew quotes a prophecy written by Micah pertaining to Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. This had powerful implications for the people during Micah’s day, those that Matthew was writing to, and for us as well.
Fulfilled: Manner of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
This is the third message in our series, focusing on the manner of Jesus’ birth. Many people today will claim to be Christians, but denounce the virginal conception. This is critical to our faith, though, as it not only proves Jesus is the Son of God but that He is the One promised from the Old Testament. It sets Him apart from any other religion or deity that promises salvation.
Fulfilled: Family of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
This first message centers on the promises fulfilled in the family tree of Jesus. It’s clear that God had His hand on the family of Abraham throughout the generations, ultimately leading up to the birth of Jesus. The providence of God is displayed through this family and serves as a reminder of His providence in our lives.
Believing is Seeing by Pastor Abidan Shah
Many people are looking for evidence before they can place their faith in Christ. This is contrary to what Jesus told those who opposed Him. He challenged them to re-read Moses because “he wrote about Me.” The reason the Pharisees couldn’t see Jesus in Moses’s writings is because they didn’t believe Moses.
What is Jesus Doing in Your Life? – Part Two
In this message we will complete the comparison between the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament and Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. The conclusion is this – What Jesus has done for His people, He continues to do for us today. We can trust His promises. He is always faithful.
What is Jesus Doing in Your Life?
When we study the Old Testament and the New Testament side by side we begin to realize that Jesus was none other than the “Angel of the Lord” who visited His people time and again before His birth 2000 years ago. In His pre-incarnate visits He did certain ministries for His people. Amazingly, those were the same ministries that He performed in His years on earth. And, yes – those are the same ministries that He still does for His people today. What is He doing in your life right now?
Before the Manger: How Can a Baby Change My Life?
Many people have a very limited or shallow view of the baby that was born in the manger 2000 years ago. They ask – “What can a little baby do for us? After all, he needs us more than we need him!”
But, when we understand who the baby really was before He was born, it changes our perspective. Unlike us, He existed before He came into this world. In fact, He was doing great and mighty things that no human could ever do. He entered our world to do even greater things. When we invite Him into our lives, He transforms us forever.
How to Enjoy the Holidays
It is that time of year when things start getting hectic with Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas not too far away. Unfortunately, people get stressed out with work, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. and miss out on the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN A MINUTE
Every Christmas you hear some complaints about how we have commercialized the birth of Jesus and how we are so materialistic. What does gift giving have to do with Christmas? Contrary to what you may think, it was not inspired by the magi. In fact, the Christian practice of giving gifts began with St. Nicholas, the pastor of Myra, who rode across Asia Minor distributing gifts to poor children. December 6th in the Western Church and December 19th in the Eastern Church became St. Nicholas’ Day – a day to give gifts to children – and in time this practice merged with December 25th. So next time you go shopping, enjoy buying gifts for your loved ones but don’t forget to be generous to the less fortunate. After all, we were undeserving but God gave us the gift of Jesus. Merry Christmas!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN A MINUTE
Do you know that one house during Christmas that everything is lit up, even the doghouse! If you’re like me, you say – “I wonder what their electric bill’s gonna be like!” Where did we get this tradition? Legend has it that Martin Luther, the German Reformer, was taking a walk through the woods one late December night and he saw the moonlight sparkling on the snow-covered branches of the evergreen trees. He was so struck by their beauty that he tried to recreate the sparkle by attaching candles to his Christmas tree. It reminded him of Jesus the light of the world. With the coming of electricity, people began to decorate even their homes and yards with light. So when you drive by that house, ask yourself instead, “Is Jesus shining brightly in my life?” Merry Christmas!
MISTLETOE IN A MINUTE
What does kissing under a mistletoe have to do with Christmas? In ancient times mistletoe was considered a miracle plant. When everything was dead in the harsh winter, this rootless parasitic plant was still flourishing. It symbolized life, hope, and fertility. Ancient Druids and Vikings thought this plant was so sacred that they would marry under it. When they became Christians, the mistletoe took on a deeper meaning. It reminded them of God’s power to bring life where there was death. Later on in England, when a couple passed under the plant, they had to stop and kiss and if they did, God would bless them with an everlasting love. So next time someone points out “Hey! You’re under a mistletoe,” think about the undying love of God in Jesus Christ and oh yes, pucker up! Merry Christmas!
TWO GIFTS WORTH OPENING THIS CHRISTMAS
We take time off, brave the crowds, and spend our hard earned money to buy presents because we like to see our loved ones happy. We find joy in seeing them excited. So also, God takes delight in seeing us open the two greatest gifts He sent us in His Son Jesus – grace and truth.
This is one message we cannot afford to miss. Many Christians are living in condemnation when they should be walking by grace. Other Christians are living in lies when they should be walking in the truth. Grace lifts us up and truth sets us free.
CHRISTMAS TREES IN A MINUTE
Are Christmas trees just some pagan ritual borrowed from the Scandinavians? While it is true that many cultures have worshipped certain trees, this was not the case for Christians. For them trees were never sacred just symbolic. Adam and Eve took the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Abraham lived by the Oaks of Mamre where He built an altar to the Lord. The people of Israel were promised to become “Trees of Righteousness.” Jesus hung on a tree for our sins. And in Revelation we see the tree of life in the middle of the street of the Heavenly City. So next time you see O Tannenbaum with lights, ornaments, and gifts, think of the many wonderful promises of God, especially the coming of Jesus to die on the cross for us! Merry Christmas!
SANTA IN A MINUTE
Ever wonder what Santa has to do with Christmas? Check out this article. It takes just a minute.